Never in the history of America will we as African Americans have as much to celebrate in the next two weeks as we will have this year.

It began with the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the honoring of his national holiday and will continue next week when the President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in as the first Black president.

Two great men. Two historical weeks. Both who inspired a nation and the world. Both men gifted to deliver in speech the power of inspiration and encourage the ability to offer hope.

Dr. King always felt that one day this nation would stand up and judge men based on the content of their character instead of the color of their skin.

President-elect Obama is the benefit of that long, enduring and grueling struggle of a civil rights movement that was elevated with King, extended by Rev. Jesse Jackson and bridged on the ailing backs of many individuals and organizations such as the NAACP, Brotherhood Crusade, Urban League and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

King gave us a reason to keep dreaming. Obama gives of the courage that our dreams can be realized.

From slave ships to cotton fields, from the Montgomery bus boycott to the resiliency of Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat, we as a people have always made a way.

The challenges! The struggles and oh yes the victories.

Thus we fight. Thus we dream and indeed, we shall overcome.

Thank you, Dr. King, for the foundation that you gave all of us and thank you, Barack Obama, for relishing this special moment at this very special time.